My New Year's Declaration
CBN.com When that ball dropped yesterday, my life began anew. I’m sure I'm not the only one living on this green Earth who is sick of the same old rut our lives become.
Some ignore the moments we are given by jamming every minute thing we can in our schedules. Others just let life whiz by.
That’s me. I’m a dreamer. Sometimes my relaxed, easy-going personality tends to over compensate and I don’t accomplish what I want to with my time. Rather than parking myself in front of the television to watch the next movie on my Netflix list, I should take a crack at some of my personal goals.
Procrastination is a disease I’ve suffered from for far too long. The cure is taking an active approach and making the decision to live on purpose. This year, I have the perfect plan.
I’m going to start accomplishing some of my exciting goals by listing them. As CBN.com visitors, you get this special opportunity to take a sneak peek at my list for two reasons. One, I’m using this article as a catalyst that will compel me to get these things done. Two, I figure if I have all of you as my accountability partners there’s less of a chance I’ll give up. It’s worth a try, at least.
10 Things I Must Do:
- Backpack through Europe. Plans are already in the works. My love for history and travel has created a desire to take a trip like this. I’ve gone on big trips before, but the adventure of staying in hostels and meeting new people from all over the world is something I can’t easily forego.
- Run in a race. The image of me crossing the finish line is a sight I never thought I’d see. But, this March I’m going to attempt what once seemed impossible. I’m going to run in the Shamrock 8K on St. Patrick’s Day in Virginia Beach. Along with a couple of encouraging friends, I’ll finish the five grueling miles. If I puke, so be it.
- Study the Bible. I’d love to go beyond the superficial messages we’ve all been taught in Sunday School. I want to dive deeper into God’s word. It's easy to just go buy a devotional to walk you through your quiet time. This go around I'm going to just sit, mediate on God's Word and let Him speak.
- Passionately pursue my hobby. "Photographer" is a label I don’t mind people putting on me. I’d love to devote more time and energy to capturing life and God’s creation on film. Putting together a portfolio of my work also is something I’ve always wanted to do.
- Dancing Queen. It’s time to put on my tappin’ shoes again. I took tap dance classes growing up. Actually, it was a hobby of mine for more than 10 years. After all these years, I want to remember the old days by joining a class at a local dance studio.
- Give to a reputable charity. The Lord calls us to care for the elderly, ill, and poor in this world. Starting this year, I will myself to do more for others, not just those I’m close to, but strangers as well. I encourage you to find a charity outside your church in which to give your money and time.
- Help someone else’s dream come true. We all imagine beyond what we feel is within our reach. I’d like to help a friend fulfill a life-long goal. Taking an interest in another’s list will show them love and honor God because we are putting someone before ourselves.
- Become a better steward. The talents we possess, the jobs we have, the money we use, the people we love are gifts we should use wisely. I plan to take better care of my money by putting together and following a budget. And I’ll rework my schedule so that I can spend quality time with family and friends.
- Sing my heart out. On the same lines, God has given me a desire to sing. He’s even told me through others not to quiet my voice. He enjoys hearing our worship, and to please Him I am determined to lay my self-conscious attitude aside.
- Write my first novel/screenplay. For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to write a story that captures people’s hearts. Whether it’s a novel, a screenplay, or even a short story, my creative writing career begins this year.
This list and the one you create may seem overwhelming at first. Just be honest and don’t limit yourself. No matter what you declare on your to-do list, don’t ignore God. Let Him share in your adventure.
